I'm looking for some advice on this switch. Is the gear box all i need to replace, or are there more links that need to be replaced? is it worth it?

 

I don't know the whole parts list but it's for sure more than just the gear box swap. You'll need the power steering pump, brackets to mount it. Possibly new pulleys to be able to add the power steering belt. I think there's also something in there that keeps the idle up for being able to use steering at low speeds.

You should be able to find tons of info on this online, it's a popular upgrade.

 

Power to manual... reading is fundamental.



Remove the power box and pump/reservoir assembly. Bolt the manual box and it's stock pitman arm in place of the power box. Done.

 

nice! wait... do i even get to use my drill? haha

 

No power tools needed unless the tie rod end into the pitman arm needs a press.

 

Just drill a hole somewhere to satisfy the urge

 

ooh, more speed holes!

can't wait to get all these hoses outta here

 

well u won't need that belt anymore. and the power steering idler pulley n bracket can come right out too. And if the pump actually had vacuum lines u can just cap them. I ran without ps for a month or 2 while I had it out to clean up the engine bay then paint it n replace all the seals of the PS pump. I gotta agree that it looked much cleaner without it.

 

well, the gear box is sitting at the post, so hopefully there is a sunny day this week for me to do the swap, and maybe remove a leaf in back.

 

Did you get to this yet ? I'm thinking of doing the same thing for the same reasons (less clutter under the hood ). Just wondering because I thought I read of somebody doing the opposite (manual to power) and they had to change the steering rod from the column out to the steering box, said they where different lengths ?

 

did it the other day, pops right it. it is super easy! reduces drag on the engine, saves a bit of weight, and makes the engine bay much less cluttered. parallell parking is a bit of a workout, but i am quite happy with the switch.
i did make sure that i got the pitman arm with the gear box, don't know if it is a different length than power, but figured i should play it safe.

 

The pitman arms are different. The sector shafts are different size and spline count.

Odd thing, my dad's manual steering 84 x cab with stock suspension, wheels & tires and steering wheel turns harder than my 89 that's slammed with higher offset 8" wheels and 12" steering wheel. Figure that shiat out.

 

haha, yeah, i'm glad i always liked a large steering wheel, i think mine is 14.5.

 

I am also thinking about doing this conversion the power steering when its cold is such a strain on the engine